Chief's Last Day Will Be Tomorrow

Acting Police Chief Steven Fowles’ last day will be a month earlier than expected. Tomorrow will be it for him in the Cinnaminson Township Police Department as his retirement is effective April 1.

“I'm just ready to leave at this point and go my own way and spend time with my family,” Fowles said Wednesday.

A special meeting of the township committee was held Tuesday night and committee members passed a resolution accepting Fowles’ resignation and the terms of his separation.

Specifics of those terms are not available just yet, however, Fowles is retiring with his full pension and benefits after serving almost 26 years.

Fowles said he suggested the option of retiring a month earlier than expected and committee approved it.

“Steve and his attorney submitted certain terms that they were looking for,” said Deputy Mayor Donald Brauckmann. “It didn’t really make much sense for him to stay a couple of months. He was ready to go.”

Fowles’ retirement comes after a  over benefits. When Fowles became acting police chief last year, he said he was not made aware of post-retirement benefits if he became official police chief.

Brauckmann, part of the acting chief interview committee, said he was unaware of the change.

Post-retirement benefits were set to change from 15 years of full family coverage to 10 years single coverage after Fowles retired as official police chief.

Fowles admitted he led township committee members into believing he took a December police chief test, but he hadn’t. He had hoped to hold out to negotiate the benefits situation, he said. Neither party made it that far.

Last week, committee members approved an ordinance to hire a in lieu of a police chief. That meeting was attended by almost 100 residents, including the police chief’s supporters. Fowles publicly announced his retirement around the same time.

“I completed everything I needed to complete,” Fowles said. “Why not leave sooner? It’s 30 less days of arguing.”

Lt. Tim Young will perform the duties of police chief as senior officer of the staff. Township committee will put an advertisement out soon for the public safety director position.

"I want to thank Steve for his 25 years of service to the residents of our town," Mayor Kathy Fitzpatrick said. "I wish him well in any of his future endeavors. The township appreciates his service."

There is ongoing internal affairs investigation into the matter as well, Brauckmann said, and a second resolution was approved to adjust payment rates on that.

Fowles said the investigation is “about me” and came from a complaint about Fowles not taking the police chief test.

“I’m actually kind of looking forward to retirement now,” Fowles said, saying the whole situation is bittersweet.

“I’m going to miss it, and the guys,” he said.

Stay with Patch for updates.